Liverpool are bracing themselves for a 45 million transfer deadline day bid from Real Madrid for striker Luis Suarez, according to the Metro.

The Reds have battled tooth and nail to retain the services of the Uruguayan, who has been linked with a move away from Anfield all summer.

They have already rejected two bids – one of 30 million and a second worth 40 million and 1 – from Premier League rivals Arsenal, but may have to fend off interest in their prized asset a third time as Real prepare their late offer.

The Spanish giants have just broken the world transfer record by landing Gareth Bale from Tottenham for 86 million, but their spending spree may not end there, with just a little under eight hours of the transfer window left to run.

Suarez scored 33 goals for club and country last season and was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year Award, while his good form earned him a series of admirers from some of the continent’s leading clubs.

As well as Real and Arsenal, European Champions Bayern Munich have shown an interest in the striker in the past, and Liverpool remain under heavy pressure to sell despite their official stance that the player is not for sale.

Suarez has in the past made no secret of his ambition to play for a Champions League club and recently admitted that he dreams of playing for Madrid.